GFFP and Coconino County to begin forest thinning behind Sechrist Elementary School on Highway 180

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., – Coconino County and the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (GFFP) will conduct forest treatments (thinning trees) on a 57-acre County parcel located in the Lockett Ranches area, behind Sechrist Elementary School. This parcel is within the footprint of the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project (FWPP) and aligns with GFPP’s goals to adopt “fire-adapted communities” principles that reduce wildfire risk and create defensible space for students and residents in the area.

GFFP recently received a $200,000 Wildland Fire Hazardous Fuels grant from the Arizona Department of Forestry & Fire Management. GFFP will use a portion of the “Greater Flagstaff Fuel Reduction Project’s” funding to thin the County parcel. The contractor bid was awarded to High Desert Investment (HDI) and tree removal is expected to begin on Aug. 29, 2018. The project is expected to be completed by the end of September.

Cut trees will be processed into saw logs and chip products. On Aug. 23 HDI will begin to construct a temporary road to move cut trees and material off the site. Rehabilitation of the temporary road, which includes covering the road with rocks and slash material (limbs, small branches), will occur after all treatment operations are completed.

During tree thinning, residents and students traveling in the area should anticipate heavy equipment. People are encouraged to use safety precautions during this time and stay out of the area until the project is completed. Trails located on the parcel will be closed until the project is completed and will be signed indicating closure. Be cautious of log decks (piles) and do not go near or climb on the log piles as they can collapse.

People should expect increased traffic on Fort Valley Road due to log trucks removing material from the site. Use safety precaution measures and comply with all traffic signs. Heavy truck operations will be restricted during peak traffic hours between 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.